East Carolina University has been recognized as one of the nation’s best values for an undergraduate education by the “Princeton Review.”

ECU is one of 165 colleges included in the 2008 edition of Princeton Review’s “America’s Best College Values.” The guide chose schools based on more than 30 factors, including academics, tuition costs, financial aid and student borrowing. The guide does not rank the schools but does note the top 10 public and private school values.

Marilyn Sheerer, vice chancellor for student life at ECU, said she was pleased that ECU’s work in making a college education available to students of varying financial levels had been noted.

“As Chancellor Ballard frequently notes, East Carolina University is about access for all students from North Carolina. At ECU, we take seriously our mission to provide students with the opportunity for distinctive undergraduate and graduate-level educations,” she said. “And we appreciate being recognized for providing a wonderful education at a ‘best value’ price.”

The three-page profile of ECU notes the school’s programs in business, premed, physical therapy, nursing and the arts. In the “Fun Facts” section, several well-known alumni are listed along with a note about ECU home football games including the “Pirate Walk” and the playing of “Purple Haze” as the team takes the field.

Cost for attending ECU in 2006-07, including tuition, fees, room, board and books, is approximately $11,800. ECU’s need-based financial aid program is also noted in the listing. In addition to ECU, other North Carolina colleges included in “America’s Best College Values” are Appalachian State University, Davidson College, Guilford College, N.C. State University, St. Andrews Presbyterian College, UNC-Asheville, UNC-Greensboro, UNC-Pembroke and UNC-Wilmington.

“Princeton Review” is known for its test preparation courses, education services and books. It first published its “Best Colleges” guide in 1992, offering rankings in a variety of categories based on student ratings.